Ran into an old friend the other day and a few thoughts came to mind. Hadn't seen this person in a more than a few 
years and realized they'd been really busy in the interim. They'd completed their Master's program (Yay, you!) and they'd been busy creatively expressing their individualism via tatoos and body piercings. I counted at least 3 piercings and 2 tats. That's what I could see. Got me thinking about the bigger picture.
Where do you draw the line between individualism and professionalism?
Indeed, America is a melting pot, and although I have been know to quip, "I will sell this house to-day!" enroute to a showing or two, I'm pretty confident I'll never melt into that standard ideal of the American (Realtor) Beauty. I do know how important it is for one to maintain one's individuality, though.
Perhaps I should have prefaced today's post with a simple statement.
I'm not your average Real Estate Agent. I march to the beat of a different drummer. Yes, there is a dichotomy at play here. I'll give you that. I'm out there dealing with the public on a daily basis, yet I'm somewhat of a loner. You say tomato, I say, "gimme one of those red thingees that taste so good."
I like to do things differently just because I know there's more than one way to accomplish any goal. Sometimes, I like to do things differently just because. I'm a renegade.
So, where does one draw the line?
While I personally would not have an issue with someone in a creative field - musician, graphic artist, poet (you know, the artsy/fartsy type) - sporting tatoos and/or body piercings, I'm thinking I'd definitely do a double-take if my daughter's Pediatrician walked into her next well-child visit with a nose ring and a snake tat peeking out the top of a plumber's crack (muffin top, for the younger set).
I might have to question her professionalism (and thusly her ability to perform her "professional" job?).
What about you? What if during your next visit to your Lawyer, Doctor, or Realtor; you noticed a tat or two? Would you question that person's professionalism?
I don't have any tats, in case you were wondering. Moreover, my only body piercings are of the standard ear lobe type. No cartiledge, just lobe, 3 in each - 20-something, college thing (don't ask, I won't tell).
IMHO, if one chooses to get a tat, one should definitely choose an inconspicuous spot that would allow one to express one's individuality yet won't compromise one's professionalism. That's a lotta one's, I know.
I just feel that the job situation is much too tight to have a decision-maker look at you sideways in an interview situation because they can't see beyond your paw print tat sitting atop the twins. Like it or not, many companies frown upon visible tatoos and piercings. Just saying.
How do you feel about it? Do you have any tatoos or body piercings and how many? Should the line between individualism and professionalism ever be crossed? Is there really a line? How do you strike a balance between the two?
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